Is it just us, or does eating outside make food taste better?
There’s a limited patio season in Boston and we’re ready to make the most of it. Save this list of 30 patios for when you’re craving a bite and some sunshine.
Restaurants
Capo, 443 W Broadway
Head to Southie for pasta al fresco. Pro tip: On Tuesdays the entire menu goes gluten free.
Ciao Roma, 5 N Sq.
This seasonal pop-up patio is located right off the Freedom Trail for a side of classic Italian fare with your local history.
City Tap House, 10 Boston Wharf Rd.
Enjoy brunch with a view and plenty of special events during the weekends.
Chickadee, 21 Drydock Ave.
Named after the state bird, Chickadee is serving up Mediterranean-inspired dishes in the Seaport.
Legal Harborside, 270 Northern Ave.
Reservations are encouraged for the Seaport location of the Legal Sea Foods chain, which features three floors under one retractable roof.
Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar, 253 Summer St.
The Seaport location brings its gothic glow to the patio with Mexican-inspired eats and outdoor seating under pergolas.
Stephanie’s on Newbury, 190 Newbury St.
Enjoy the people-watching as much as your meal on this patio situated off Newbury Street.
Select Oyster Bar, 50 Gloucester St.
Don’t miss the custom stained glass window art, which features oysters.
ReelHouse, 6 New St., East Boston
Reservations at this East Boston spot promise expansive views of the city and the Boston Harbor.
Saltie Girl, 279 Dartmouth St.
Walk down into this hidden patio area right off the bustling Newbury Street to dine on lobster rolls, tinned fish, and oysters.
Tony & Elaine’s, 111 N Washington St.
One of the best hidden gems in the North End, this causal patio setting has gingham tablecloths and serves up classic Italian fare.
Shy Bird, 12 Old Colony Ave. and 390 Third St., Cambridge
The South Boston location shares a patio with Castle Island Brewing and the Kendall Square patio offers covered seating.
Union Oyster House, 41 Union St.
Could you get a more iconic pop-up patio in Boston? We don’t think so.
Publico Street Bistro & Garden, 11 Dorchester St.
The perfect urban patio setup for your lunch, brunch, or dinner plans.
Pazza on Porter, 107 Porter St.
Enjoy the views at this Italian-American eatery and the trendy atmosphere. Make reservations to stop by the new speakeasy Next Door while you’re here.
Porto, Ring Road
Pro tip: Parking validation is offered in the Prudential garage for vehicles that enter after 5 p.m.
Prima, 10 City Sq., Charlestown
Afternoon spritzes and weekend brunches on this sunny city patio pair perfectly with house-made gelato, paninis, or fresh seafood from the raw bar.
Brighton Bodega Devlin’s Bistro & Bar, 328-332 Washington St., Brighton
This shared patio space is hidden between both restaurants and connected by string lights.
Burro Bar, multiple locations
Snack on chips and salsa with margaritas on the patio at both Burro Bar locations.
Yellow Door Taqueria, 354 Harrison Ave.
The South End location features a pop-up container patio with colorful chairs and cocktails.
Coffee shops
Cannonball Cafe, 383 Dorchester Rd.
This Southie community space revamps the patio with cozy furniture, a flower wall, and space for a weekend farmers market.
Tatte Bakery & Cafe, multiple locations
The pop-up patios feature tables for groups of two to four and some offer shade.
Food Halls
Time Out Market, 401 Park Dr.
Grab a seat outside the Fenway food hall to munch on pizza, burgers, tacos, and more from the vendors.
Charles River Speedway, 525 Western Ave.
The biergarten has picnic-style tables, heaters, and umbrellas.
Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville
This Somerville community space uses fire pit tables in the winter and swap umbrellas in warmer months.
High Street Place, 100 High St.
Grab sushi, lobster rolls, sandwiches, and pizza and take a seat on the patio.
Reader Recommendations
We asked you to send us your favorite patios around Boston. Here are a few you recommended.
- Cobblestones, 30 Charles St. — Tom B.
- State Street Provisions, 255 State St. — Angela M.
- Bully Boy Distillers, 44 Cedric St. — @katielogue
- Barking Crab, 88 Sleeper St. — Angela M.
- The White Bull Tavern, Union Street — Isabel B.